Control device, computer program for control device, method executed by control device, and communication system

Abstract

This invention provides a technology that allows a control device to appropriately switch whether or not to display a selection screen on the display unit, depending on the type of cartridge. [Solution] The control device receives cartridge information from a specific printer. When the control device receives cartridge information from a specific printer and the cartridge information indicates that the specific cartridge is a specific dedicated cartridge, it executes the first subscription process without displaying the selection screen on the display unit. When the control device receives cartridge information from a specific printer and the cartridge information indicates that the specific cartridge is a general-purpose cartridge, it displays the selection screen on the display unit. When the control device accepts an operation to select a second service plan on the selection screen, it executes the second subscription process.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This specification discloses a technology related to a control device that executes subscription processing. [Background Art]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a communication system including a printer, a terminal device and a server. The terminal device receives contract plan selection screen data from the server in response to transmitting a new contract request to the server. The terminal device displays a contract plan selection screen represented by the contract plan selection screen data on a display unit. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2023-79023 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, no consideration is given to switching whether to display the selection screen according to the type of the cartridge.

[0005] This specification provides a technology that allows the control device to appropriately switch whether to display the selection screen on the display unit according to the type of the cartridge. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] This specification discloses a control device. The control device may include a cartridge information receiving unit that receives cartridge information from a specific printer relating to a specific cartridge installed in the specific printer. The control device may also include a first subscription processing execution unit that, when the cartridge information is received from the specific printer and the cartridge information indicates that the specific cartridge is a specific dedicated cartridge, performs a first subscription processing to subscribe the user to a first plan of the service without displaying a selection screen on the display unit for the user to select one plan from a plurality of plans included in the service associated with the specific printer. The specific dedicated cartridge may be a cartridge dedicated to the first plan that is associated with the first plan included in the plurality of plans. The control device may also include a display control unit that displays the selection screen on the display unit when the cartridge information is received from the specific printer and the cartridge information indicates that the specific cartridge is a general-purpose cartridge. The general-purpose cartridge may be a cartridge that is not associated with any of the plurality of plans. The control device may include a second subscription execution unit that, when an operation to select a second plan from among the multiple plans is received on the selection screen, executes a second subscription process to subscribe the user to the second plan.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the control device performs the first subscription process without displaying the selection screen on the display unit if the cartridge information indicates that a particular cartridge is a dedicated cartridge. The control device also displays the selection screen on the display unit if the cartridge information indicates that a particular cartridge is a general-purpose cartridge. The control device then performs the second subscription process when it receives an operation to select a second plan on the selection screen. Therefore, the control device can appropriately switch whether or not to display the selection screen on the display unit depending on the type of cartridge.

[0008] The computer program for realizing the above-described control device, the computer-readable recording medium for storing the computer program, and the method executed by the above-described control device are also novel and useful. A communication system comprising the control device and a specific printer is also novel and useful. Here, the above-described recording medium may be a single medium or multiple mediums. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This shows the configuration of the communication system. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of each table. [Figure 3] This is a sequence diagram of the service subscription process. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart of the server processing performed by the SP server. [Figure 5] This is a sequence diagram for Case A. [Figure 6] This is the sequence diagram for Case B. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart diagram of terminal processing performed by terminal devices. [Figure 8] This is the sequence diagram for Case C. [Figure 9] This is the sequence diagram for Case D. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] (First embodiment) (Configuration of communication system 2; Figure 1) As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 2 comprises a printer 10, a terminal device 100, and an SP server 200. SP server is an abbreviation for "service provider server." The printer 10 and the terminal device 100 are connected to a Local Area Network (LAN) 4. The printer 10 and the terminal device 100 can communicate with each other via LAN 4. LAN 4 is connected to the Internet 6. The printer 10, the terminal device 100, and the SP server 200 can communicate with each other via the Internet 6.

[0011] (Printer 10 configuration) Printer 10 is a peripheral device capable of performing printing functions. Printer 10 is a peripheral device for a Personal Computer (PC), etc. In addition to printing functions, Printer 10 may be a multi-function device capable of performing scanning functions, fax functions, etc. Printer 10 comprises an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a print execution unit 16, a communication I / F 18, and a control unit 30. "I / F" is an abbreviation for "interface". Printer 10 has a serial number "SN1" and a model name "MN1". The serial number is an identification number assigned when the printer is manufactured. The model name is a name indicating the model of the printer.

[0012] The operation unit 12 is a user interface that allows the user to input various information to the printer 10. The operation unit 12 includes, for example, a touch panel for displaying software keys, hardware keys, or both. Software keys are operation objects. Hardware keys include, for example, buttons or switches. The display unit 14 is a display or panel for displaying various information. The panel may or may not be a touch panel. The panel may also be, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0013] The print execution unit 16 comprises an inkjet-type print engine. The print engine comprises a print head that ejects ink droplets. A cartridge 16A that stores ink is detachably mounted on the print execution unit 16. Hereinafter, the cartridge is referred to as "CTG".

[0014] The communication I / F 18 is connected to the LAN 4. The communication I / F 18 may be a wireless I / F or a wired I / F.

[0015] The control unit 30 comprises a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The memory 34 comprises a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. By way of example, the main storage device includes a RAM and a cache memory. By way of example, the auxiliary storage device may be a ROM, a flash memory, a Solid State Drive (SSD), a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), or a combination thereof. A program 40 and a management table 42 are stored in the auxiliary storage device of the memory 34. The CPU 32 implements various processes in accordance with the program loaded from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device.

[0016] (Configuration of Terminal Device 100) The terminal device 100 is a terminal device such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a PDA, a desktop PC, a notebook PC, or a tablet PC. The terminal device 100 comprises an operation unit 112, a display unit 114, a communication I / F 118, and a control unit 130.

[0017] The operation unit 112 is a user interface that allows a user to input various information to the terminal device 100. The operation unit 112 includes, for example, a touch panel for displaying software keys, hardware keys, or both. The software keys are operation objects. The hardware keys include, for example, buttons, switches, or the like. The display unit 114 is a display or panel for displaying various information. The panel may or may not be a touch panel. Further, the panel is, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The communication I / F 118 is connected to the LAN 4. The communication I / F 118 may be a wireless I / F or a wired I / F.

[0018] The control unit 130 includes a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The memory 134 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. An OS program 140 and an application 142 are stored in the auxiliary storage device of the memory 134. "App" is an abbreviation for "application program". The OS program 140 controls basic operations of the terminal device 100. The application 142 is a program for supporting a user's subscription to a service, and is also a program for causing a printer to execute a printing function. The CPU 132 implements various processes in accordance with a program loaded from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device. Hereinafter, various processes implemented by the CPU 132 in accordance with programs may be described as if the OS program 140 or the application 142 actively performs these processes.

[0019] (Configuration of SP Server 200) SP Server 200 is a server installed on the Internet 6 by the vendor of Printer 10. Hereafter, the vendor will be simply referred to as "Vendor". SP Server 200 may be a single server or a collection of multiple servers. SP Server 200 provides a subscription service. Hereafter, the subscription service will be referred to as "Subscription Service". With the Subscription Service, a fixed amount is charged if the number of printed pages during a specified period is less than or equal to the contracted number of printed pages. For example, the specified period is "1 month" and the contracted number of printed pages is "1000 pages". With the Subscription Service, if the number of printed pages during a specified period exceeds the contracted number of printed pages, an amount equal to the fixed fee plus an amount corresponding to the number of printed pages exceeding the contracted number will be charged. The Subscription Service may include an automatic shipping service. The automatic shipping service is a service that automatically ships a new CTG when the amount of ink remaining in the CTG installed in the printer falls below a specified amount.

[0020] The subscription service includes multiple plans. These plans include a Heavy Plan and a Light Plan. The Heavy Plan is for users who use the printer relatively frequently, i.e., heavy users. The Light Plan is for users who use the printer relatively infrequently, i.e., light users.

[0021] Here, CTG includes general-purpose CTGs and dedicated CTGs. Dedicated CTGs are CTGs designed to simplify the process of subscribing to a subscription service. Dedicated CTGs are also CTGs used to subscribe to the plan to which they are associated. Dedicated CTGs include dedicated CTGs for the Heavy Plan and dedicated CTGs for the Light Plan. Hereafter, dedicated CTGs for the Heavy Plan and dedicated CTGs for the Light Plan will be referred to as "Heavy Plan Dedicated" and "Light Plan Dedicated," respectively. Users can subscribe to the Heavy Plan by purchasing a Heavy Plan Dedicated CTG. General-purpose CTGs are CTGs that are not associated with any of the multiple plans of the subscription service.

[0022] The SP server 200 comprises a communication interface 218 and a control unit 230. The communication interface 218 is connected to the Internet 6. The control unit 230 comprises a CPU 232 and a memory 234. The memory 234 comprises a main memory and an auxiliary memory. The auxiliary memory of the memory 234 stores a program 240 and a service table 242. The CPU 232 performs various processes according to the program loaded from the auxiliary memory to the main memory.

[0023] (Structure of each table; Figure 2) Referring to Figure 2, the contents of the management table 42 in the printer 10 and the service table 242 in the SP server 200 will be explained.

[0024] The management table 42 of the printer 10 is a table for managing the CTG installed in the print execution unit 16 of the printer 10. Hereafter, the CTG installed in the print execution unit 16 of the printer 10 will be referred to as the "installed CTG". The management table 42 stores content information, an ID, and a Management Information Base (MIB) value in association with each other. The content information is information corresponding to the subscription service plan. The ID is information used to identify the content information. The MIB value indicates either a value of "0" or "1". "0" indicates that the printer 10 does not have a dedicated CTG for the plan associated with that MIB value. "1" indicates that the printer 10 does not have a dedicated CTG for the plan associated with that MIB value. For example, if the MIB value associated with the content information "Light Plan" is "0", then a CTG different from the Light Plan dedicated CTG is installed in the printer 10. Also, if the MIB value associated with the content information "Light Plan" is "1", then the Light Plan dedicated CTG is installed in the printer 10.

[0025] The service table 242 of the SP server 200 manages information for providing subscription services to users. The service table 242 stores the following information in association with each other: user ID, password, serial number, model name, token, address information, payment information, plan, and CTGID at the time of subscription. The user ID is information used to identify the user. The token is information used by the SP server 200 to authenticate the printer. The address information indicates the user's address. The payment information is information used for payment, such as a credit card number. The CTGID at the time of subscription is the ID of the CTG that was installed in the printer when the user subscribed to the subscription service.

[0026] (Service subscription process; Figure 3) Referring to Figure 3, the service subscription process for a user of terminal device 100 to subscribe to a subscription service will be explained. In the initial state shown in Figure 3, the SP server 200's memory 234 stores the user ID "U1" and password "PW1" in association. Terminal device 100 has already logged into the SP server 200 using the user ID "U1" and password "PW1". Furthermore, the user is not yet subscribed to a subscription service. The printer 10's memory 34 stores the CTGID of the installed CTG. In Figure 3, the processing performed by the CPU of each device is described as being performed by each device, rather than the CPU. Also, in the following, communication between each device is performed via a communication interface. Therefore, in the following explanation, the phrase "via a communication interface" will be omitted when describing communication.

[0027] At T10, the user performs an access operation on the terminal device 100 to access the SP server 200. As a result, at T12, the terminal device 100 sends a home screen data request to the SP server 200 requesting the transmission of home screen data representing the home screen. At T14, the terminal device 100 receives the home screen data from the SP server 200, and at T16, displays the home screen on the display unit 114. The home screen includes subscription objects for subscribing to the subscription service. At T20, the user performs a device registration operation. The device registration operation includes operations on the subscription object and operations to input the serial number of the device used for the subscription service. The device registration operation in this process includes an operation to input the serial number "SN1" of the printer 10. At T22, the terminal device 100 sends a device registration request including the serial number "SN1" to the SP server 200. The device registration request is a signal to request registration of the device used for the subscription service.

[0028] When the SP server 200 receives a device registration request from the terminal device 100 at T22, it generates a PIN code PC1 at T24. The SP server 200 associates the serial number "SN1" with the PIN code PC1 and temporarily stores it in memory 234. Then, at T26, the SP server 200 transmits the PIN code PC1 to the terminal device 100.

[0029] When terminal device 100 receives the PIN code PC1 from SP server 200 at T26, it displays the PIN code PC1 on display unit 114 at T28. This allows the user of terminal device 100 to know the PIN code PC1 to be entered into printer 10.

[0030] The user performs the operation of entering the PIN code PC1 on the printer 10 at T40. As a result, the printer 10 sends a token request to the SP server 200 at T42, which includes the PIN code PC1, the serial number "SN1", and the model name "MN1".

[0031] At T42, the SP server 200 receives a token request from the printer 10. At T44, the SP server 200 determines that device authentication is successful because the stored serial number "SN1" matches the received serial number "SN1", and the stored PIN code PC1 matches the received PIN code PC1. In this case, the SP server 200 erases the PIN code PC1 from memory 234. At T46, the SP server 200 generates a token tk1. At T48, the SP server 200 associates the serial number "SN1", the model name "MN1", and the token tk1 with the user ID "U1" and stores them in the service table 238. At T50, the SP server 200 sends the token tk1 to the printer 10.

[0032] When printer 10 receives token tk1 from SP server 200 at T50, it stores the received token tk1 in memory 34 at T52. Next, at T54, printer 10 uses token tk1 to establish an eXtensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP) connection with SP server 200. The XMPP connection is a so-called always-on connection and remains established until the printer 10's power is cut off. By using the XMPP connection, SP server 200 can send requests to printer 10 across the firewall of LAN4 to which printer 10 belongs, even without receiving a request from printer 10. Note that the mechanism for sending requests from SP server 200 to printer 10 may be other than the XMPP connection. For example, a Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) connection may be established between printer 10 and SP server 200.

[0033] When the SP server 200 establishes an XMPP connection with the printer 10 at T54, it sends device registration completion screen data representing the device registration completion screen SC2 to the terminal device 100 at T60.

[0034] When terminal device 100 receives device registration completion screen data from SP server 200 at T60, it displays the device registration completion screen SC2 on the display unit 114 at T62. The device registration completion screen SC2 includes a first message 400, a "Next" button 402, and an "Exit" button 404. The first message includes a message indicating that the device registration with SP server 200 is complete, and a message indicating the operation to perform if subscribing to the subscription service. At T64, the user performs the operation on the "Next" button 402 in the device registration completion screen SC2. As a result, terminal device 100 sends a subscription request to SP server 200 at T66.

[0035] When the SP server 200 receives a subscription request from the terminal device 100 at T66, it executes server processing (Figure 4) at T70. Server processing includes processes for registering address information. Once server processing is complete, the user's subscription to the subscription service is completed.

[0036] (Server processing; Figure 4) Referring to Figure 4, the server processing performed by the CPU 232 of the SP server 200 will be described. When a join request is received from the terminal device 100, the CPU 232 executes the processing shown in Figure 4.

[0037] In S10, the CPU 232 sends a CTG information request to the printer 10. The CTG information request is a signal to request the printer 10 to send CTG information. The CTG information includes the CTGID and MIB values ​​corresponding to the content "heavy plan" and "light plan". Hereinafter, the MIB values ​​corresponding to the content information "heavy plan" and "light plan" will be referred to as the "first MIB value" and the "second MIB value," respectively. When the printer 10 receives a CTG information request from the SP server 200, it identifies the CTGID, the first MIB value, and the second MIB value in memory 34. The printer 10 then sends the CTG information, including the identified CTGID, the first MIB value, and the second MIB, to the SP server 200.

[0038] In S12, CPU232 receives CTG information from printer10. Hereafter, the CTGID within the CTG information will be referred to as the "target CTGID".

[0039] In S20, the CPU 232 uses the received CTG information to determine whether the installed CTG is a dedicated CTG or not. If the first MIB value or the second MIB value is "1", the CPU 232 determines YES in S20 and proceeds to S22. If the first MIB value or the second MIB value is "1", it means that the installed CTG is a dedicated CTG for the heavy plan or a dedicated CTG for the light plan. On the other hand, if both the first MIB value and the second MIB value are "0", the CPU 232 determines NO in S20 and proceeds to S50. If both the first MIB value and the second MIB value are "0", it means that the installed CTG is a general-purpose CTG. In this way, the CPU 232 uses the MIB values ​​in the CTG information received from the printer 10 to determine whether the installed CTG is a dedicated CTG or not. With this configuration, the SP server 200 does not need to store information to determine whether the installed CTG is a dedicated CTG or not. Therefore, the memory capacity of the SP server 200's memory 234 can be effectively utilized.

[0040] In S22, CPU232 determines whether the target CTGID is stored in service table 242. If CPU232 determines that the target CTGID is stored in service table 242 (YES in S22), it proceeds to S50. The condition that the target CTGID is stored in service table 242 is that a subscription service using the installed CTG has been used in the past. On the other hand, if CPU232 determines that the target CTGID is not stored in service table 242 (NO in S22), it proceeds to S30.

[0041] In S30, CPU232 uses the received CTG information to identify the plan the user should subscribe to. CPU232 identifies the Lite plan as the plan the user should subscribe to if the first MIB value is "1". Furthermore, CPU232 identifies the Heavy plan as the plan the user should subscribe to if the second MIB value is "1".

[0042] In S32, the CPU 232 sends subscriber information input screen data representing the subscriber information input screen to the terminal device 100. As shown in Figure 5, the subscriber information input screen SC4 includes a second message 420, an address information input area 422, a payment information input area 424, and an "OK" button 426. The second message 420 includes a message prompting the user to input subscriber information, including address information and payment information. The address information input area 422 is an area for inputting address information. The payment information input area 424 is an area for inputting payment information. When the terminal device 100 accepts an operation on the "OK" button 426 after the input of subscriber information is complete, it sends the subscriber information to the SP server 200.

[0043] In S34 of Figure 4, the CPU 232 monitors for the reception of subscriber information from the terminal device 100. If the CPU 232 receives subscriber information from the terminal device 100, it determines YES in S34 and proceeds to S36.

[0044] In S36, the CPU 232 generates confirmation screen data using the plan identified in S30 and the subscriber information received in S34, and sends the confirmation screen data to the terminal device 100. The confirmation screen data is data representing the confirmation screen. As shown in Figure 5, the confirmation screen SC6 includes a third message 430, a service information area 432, an "OK" button 434, and a "Back" button 436. The service information area 432 includes the plan and subscriber information. The third message 430 includes a message prompting the user to confirm the information in the service information area 432. When the terminal device 100 accepts an operation on the "OK" button on the confirmation screen, it sends OK information to the SP server 200. On the other hand, when the terminal device 100 accepts an operation on the "Back" button on the confirmation screen, it sends NG information to the SP server 200.

[0045] In S38 of Figure 4, the CPU 232 determines whether or not it has received OK information from the terminal device 100. If the CPU 232 receives OK information from the terminal device 100 (YES in S38), it proceeds to S40. On the other hand, if the CPU 232 does not receive OK information from the terminal device 100, that is, if it receives NG information from the terminal device 100 (NO in S38), it returns to S32. This allows the user to re-enter the subscriber information.

[0046] In S40, CPU232 updates service table 242 using the target CTGID, the plan identified in S30, and the subscriber information received in S34. CPU232 identifies the address information and payment information included in the subscriber information received in S34. CPU232 stores the plan, address information, and payment information in service table 242, associating them with the serial number "SN1". CPU232 also stores the target CTGID as the CTGID at the time of subscription, associated with the serial number "SN1". This completes the user's subscription to the subscription service. When S40 ends, CPU232 terminates the process shown in Figure 4.

[0047] If the answer is NO in S20 or YES in S22, in S50 the CPU 232 sends selection screen data representing the selection screen to the terminal device 100. Specifically, the CPU 232 sends the selection screen data to the terminal device 100, causing the selection screen to be displayed on the display unit 114 of the terminal device 100. As shown in Figure 6, the selection screen SC8 includes a fourth message 440, a plan selection area 442, and an "OK" button 444. The fourth message 440 includes a message prompting the user to select a plan. The plan selection area 442 is an area for the user to select the plan they wish to subscribe to. When the terminal device 100 accepts an "OK" button 444 after the user has finished selecting a plan, it sends plan information indicating the selected plan to the SP server 200.

[0048] In step S52 of Figure 4, the CPU 232 monitors for the reception of plan information from the terminal device 100. If the CPU 232 receives plan information from the terminal device 100, it determines YES in S52 and proceeds to S54.

[0049] The processing steps for S56, S58, and S60 are the same as those for S34, S36, and S38, respectively. Note that if CPU232 determines NO in S60, it returns to S50. This allows the user to re-select a plan and re-enter their subscriber information.

[0050] In S62, CPU232 updates service table 242 using the target CTGID, the plan information received in S52, and the subscriber information received in S54. CPU232 identifies the plan included in the plan information received in S52. CPU232 also identifies the address information and payment information included in the subscriber information received in S54. Next, CPU232 stores the identified plan, address information, and payment information in service table 242, associating them with the serial number "SN1". CPU232 also stores the target CTGID as the CTGID at the time of subscription, associated with serial number "SN1". This completes the user's subscription to the subscription service. When S62 finishes, CPU232 terminates the process shown in Figure 4.

[0051] (Specific cases) Referring to Figures 5 and 6, a specific case realized by the communication system 2 of this embodiment will be described.

[0052] (Case A; Figure 5) Refer to Figure 5 to explain Case A. In Case A, the CTG16B dedicated to the heavy plan is installed in printer 10. Therefore, the second MIB value in the management table 42 of printer 10 is "1". Also, the CTGID "CT2" of the CTG16B dedicated to the heavy plan is stored in the memory 34 of printer 10. Furthermore, the user ID "U1" and password "PW1" are stored in association in the memory 234 of SP server 200. Also, terminal device 100 has already logged into SP server 200 using user ID "U1" and password "PW1". Furthermore, the user is not subscribed to the subscription service.

[0053] First, the same process as shown in Figure 3 (T10-T66) is performed between the printer 10, the terminal device 100, and the SP server 200. When the SP server 200 receives a join request from the terminal device 100, it sends a CTG information request to the printer 10 at T110 (S10 in Figure 4).

[0054] When printer 10 receives a CTG information request from SP server 200 at T110, it identifies the CTGID "CT2" in memory 34, the first MIB value "0" in management table 42, and the second MIB value "1" in management table 42. At T112, printer 10 sends the CTGID "CT2" and MIB values ​​"0, 1" to SP server 200. The first MIB value "X1" in MIB values ​​"X1, X2" corresponds to the first MIB value, and the second MIB value "X2" corresponds to the second MIB value.

[0055] When the SP server 200 receives the CTGID "CT2" and MIB values ​​"0, 1" from the printer 10 at T112 (S12), it determines that the second MIB value is "1". Therefore, at T120, the SP server 200 determines that the installed CTG is a dedicated CTG (YES at S20). Also, at T122, the SP server 200 determines that the received CTGID "CT2" is not stored in the service table 242 (NO at S22). At T124, since the second MIB value is "1", the SP server 200 identifies the Heavy Plan as the plan the user should subscribe to (S30). Next, at T130, the SP server 200 sends the subscriber information input screen data to the terminal device 100 (S32).

[0056] When terminal device 100 receives subscriber information input screen data from SP server 200 at T130, it displays the subscriber information input screen SC4 on display unit 114 at T132. The user performs the operation of entering address information AD1 and payment information PI1 at T134, and the operation of clicking the "OK" button. As a result, terminal device 100 transmits the subscriber information, including address information AD1 and payment information PI1, to SP server 200 at T136.

[0057] When SP server 200 receives subscriber information from terminal device 100 in T136 (YES in S34), it generates confirmation screen data using the "heavy plan" identified in T124 and the received subscriber information. Next, SP server 200 transmits the confirmation screen data to terminal device 100 in T140 (S36).

[0058] When terminal device 100 receives confirmation screen data from SP server 200 at T140, it displays confirmation screen SC6 on display unit 114 at T142. The user performs an operation on the "OK" button 434 at T144. As a result, terminal device 100 sends OK information to SP server 200 at T146.

[0059] When the SP server 200 receives OK information from the terminal device 100 in T146 (YES in S38), it updates the service table 242 in T148 (S40). Specifically, the SP server 200 stores the heavy plan, address information AD1, and payment information PI1 in the service table 242, associating them with the serial number "SN1". The SP server 200 also stores the CTGID "CT2" as the CTGID at the time of subscription, associated with the serial number "SN1". This completes the user's subscription to the heavy plan of the subscription service. Next, in T150, the SP server 200 sends subscription completion screen data representing the subscription completion screen to the terminal device 100.

[0060] When terminal device 100 receives subscription completion screen data from SP server 200 at T150, it displays the subscription completion screen on display unit 114 at T152. The subscription completion screen includes a message indicating that the subscription to the heavy plan of the subscription service has been completed. This allows the user to know that their subscription to the heavy plan of the subscription service has been completed.

[0061] (Case B; Figure 6) Case B will be explained with reference to Figure 6. The initial state of Case B is the same as Case A in Figure 5, except that the installed CTG is a general-purpose CTG16C. The first and second MIB values ​​in the printer 10's management table 42 are "0". Also, the CTGID "CT3" of the general-purpose CTG16C is stored in the printer 10's memory 34.

[0062] First, the same process as shown in Figure 3 (T10-T66) is performed between the printer 10, the terminal device 100, and the SP server 200. When the SP server 200 receives a join request from the terminal device 100, it sends a CTG information request to the printer 10 at T210 (S10 in Figure 4).

[0063] When printer 10 receives a CTG information request from SP server 200 at T210, it identifies the CTGID "CT3" in memory 34, the first MIB value "0" in management table 42, and the second MIB value "0" in management table 42. At T212, printer 10 sends the CTGID "CT3" and the MIB values ​​"0,0" to SP server 200.

[0064] When the SP server 200 receives the CTGID "CT3" and the MIB value "0,0" from the printer 10 at T212 (S12), it determines that the first MIB value and the second MIB value are "0". Therefore, the terminal device 100 determines at T220 that the installed CTG is a general-purpose CTG (NO at S20). In this case, the SP server 200 sends the selection screen data to the terminal device 100 at T230 (S50).

[0065] When terminal device 100 receives selection screen data from SP server 200 at T230, it displays selection screen SC8 on display unit 114 at T232. The user performs the operation to select "Heavy Plan" and the operation to press the "OK" button 444 at T234. As a result, terminal device 100 transmits plan information including "Heavy Plan" to SP server 200 at T236.

[0066] When SP server 200 receives plan information from terminal device 100 in T236 (YES in S52), it sends subscriber information input screen data to terminal device 100 in T240 (S54). T242 to T246 are the same as T132 to T136 in Figure 5.

[0067] When the SP server 200 receives subscriber information from the terminal device 100 at T246 (YES at S56), it generates confirmation screen data using the received "Heavy Plan" and the received subscriber information. Next, at T250, the SP server 200 transmits the confirmation screen data to the terminal device 100 (S58). T252 to T256 are the same as T142 to T146 in Figure 5.

[0068] SP server 200 updates service table 242 at T258 (S62). Specifically, SP server 200 stores the heavy plan, address information AD1, and payment information PI1 in service table 242, associating them with serial number "SN1". SP server 200 also stores CTGID "CT2" as the CTGID at the time of subscription, associated with serial number "SN1". T260 and T262 are the same as T150 and T152, respectively. This completes the user's subscription to the heavy plan of the subscription service.

[0069] (Effects of this embodiment) As described above, the SP server 200 executes the first subscription process without displaying the selection screen on the display unit 114 if the CTG information indicates that the installed CTG is a dedicated CTG. The SP server 200 also displays the selection screen on the display unit 114 (S50) if the CTG information indicates that the installed CTG is not a dedicated CTG (NO in S20). The CPU 232 then executes the second subscription process if it accepts an operation to select a plan on the selection screen (YES in S52). Therefore, the CPU 232 can appropriately switch whether or not to display the selection screen on the display unit 114 depending on the type of CTG.

[0070] In particular, in this embodiment, the SP server 200 determines whether the installed CTG is a dedicated CTG. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the terminal device 100 determines whether or not the installed CTG is a dedicated CTG, the processing load on the terminal device 100 can be reduced.

[0071] Furthermore, if the target CTGID is stored in the service table 242 (YES in S22), the SP server 200 sends the selection screen data to the terminal device 100 (S50). This configuration prevents the reuse of dedicated CTGs that have been used in the past.

[0072] (Correspondence) The control unit 230 of the SP server 200 is an example of a "control device". The printer 10 is an example of a "specific printer". The installed CTG is an example of a "specific cartridge". The display unit 114 of the terminal device 100 is an example of a "display unit". S32 to S40 in Figure 4 is an example of a "first subscription process". The Heavy Plan is an example of a "first plan" and a "second plan". The Light Plan is an example of a "first plan" and a "second plan". S54 to S62 in Figure 4 is an example of a "second subscription process". The CTGID is an example of "cartridge identification information". The MIB value "1" is an example of "first information". The MIB value "0" is an example of "second information". The MIB value is an example of "type information". The serial number "SN1" is an example of "printer identification information". The memory 234 of the SP server 200 is an example of "memory". In Figure 4, at S40, the serial number and plan stored in service table 242 are an example of "first subscription information". In Figure 4, at S62, the serial number and plan stored in service table 242 are an example of "second subscription information". The CTGID at the time of subscription in service table 242 is an example of "history information".

[0073] S12 in Figure 4 is an example of the process performed by the "Cartridge Information Receiving Unit". S32 to S40 in Figure 4 are examples of the process performed by the "First Subscriber Processing Execution Unit". S50 in Figure 4 is an example of the process performed by the "Display Control Unit". S54 to S62 in Figure 4 are examples of the process performed by the "Second Subscriber Processing Execution Unit".

[0074] (Second example) Referring to Figure 1, the communication system 2 of the second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the management table 42 is not stored in the memory 34 of the printer 10. The CTG table 244 is stored in the memory 234 of the SP server 200. Components common to both embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0075] (Configuration of CTG Table 244; Figure 2) Refer to Figure 2 to explain the contents of the CTG table 244 in the SP server 200.

[0076] The CTG table 244 is a table for managing information to determine whether an installed CTG is a dedicated CTG or not. In the CTG table 244, the plan and the CTGID are stored in association. For example, if the CTGID "CT2" is associated with the plan "Heavy Plan", it indicates that the CTG with CTGID "CT2" is a dedicated CTG for the Heavy Plan.

[0077] In this embodiment, the CPU 232 of the SP server 200 executes the server processing shown in Figure 4. The CTG information in this embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that it includes only the CTGID. Also, in this embodiment, the processing content of S20 and S30 differs from that of S20 and S30 in the first embodiment.

[0078] In S20, CPU 232 uses the CTG information and CTG table 244 to determine whether the installed CTG is a dedicated CTG. CPU 232 also determines whether the target CTGID in the CTG information is included in CTG table 244. If the target CTGID is included in CTG table 244, CPU 232 determines YES in S20 and proceeds to S22. On the other hand, if the target CTGID is not included in CTG table 244, CPU 232 determines NO in S20 and proceeds to S50.

[0079] Furthermore, in S30, CPU232 uses the target CTGID and CTG table 244 to identify the plan the user should subscribe to. CPU232 identifies the plan associated with the target CTGID in CTG table 244. CPU232 identifies the identified plan as the plan the user should subscribe to. For example, if the target CTGID "CT2" is associated with the plan "Heavy Plan", CPU232 identifies the Heavy Plan as the plan the user should subscribe to.

[0080] As described above, in this embodiment, the SP server 200 uses the CTGID included in the CTG information and the CTG table 244 in memory 234 to determine whether or not the installed CTG is a dedicated CTG. With this configuration, the printer 10 does not need to store information indicating whether or not the installed CTG is a dedicated CTG. Therefore, the storage capacity of the printer 10's memory 34 can be used effectively.

[0081] (Third embodiment) Referring to Figure 1, the communication system 2 of the third embodiment will be described. The configuration of the communication system 2 of this embodiment is the same as that of the communication system 2 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the terminal processing shown in Figure 7 is executed instead of the server processing shown in Figure 4.

[0082] (Terminal processing; Figure 7) Referring to Figure 7, the terminal processing performed by the application 142 of the terminal device 100 will be described. When the application 142 receives an operation on the "Next" button 402 (see Figure 3) on the device registration completion screen SC2, it executes the processing shown in Figure 7. That is, even if the terminal device 100 in this embodiment receives an operation on the "Next" button 402, it does not send a subscription request to the SP server 200.

[0083] In S110, application 142 sends a CTG information request to printer 10.

[0084] In S112, application 142 receives CTG information from printer 10. The CTG information in this embodiment includes the CTGID, a first MIB value, and a second MIB value.

[0085] In S120, application 142 uses the received CTG information to determine whether the attached CTG is a dedicated CTG or not. If the first MIB value or the second MIB value is "1", application 142 determines YES in S120 and proceeds to S122. On the other hand, if the first MIB value and the second MIB value are "0", CPU 232 determines NO in S120 and proceeds to S130.

[0086] In S122, app 142 uses the received CTG information to identify the plan the user should subscribe to. If the first MIB value is "1", app 142 identifies the Lite plan as the plan the user should subscribe to. Also, if the second MIB value is "1", app 142 identifies the Heavy plan as the plan the user should subscribe to.

[0087] In S124, application 142 sends a subscriber information input screen data request to SP server 200. The subscriber information input screen data request is a signal to request SP server 200 to send subscriber information input screen data. The subscriber information input screen data request includes plan information indicating the plan identified in S122. When S124 ends, application 142 terminates the process shown in Figure 7.

[0088] Furthermore, in S130, application 142 sends a selection screen data request to SP server 200. The selection screen data request is a signal to request SP server 200 to send selection screen data. When S130 is completed, application 142 terminates the process shown in Figure 7.

[0089] (Specific cases) Referring to Figures 8 and 9, a specific case realized by the communication system 2 of this embodiment will be described.

[0090] (Case C; Figure 8) Refer to Figure 8 to explain Case C. The initial state of Case C is the same as the initial state of Case A.

[0091] First, the same process as T10 to T64 in Figure 3 is performed between the printer 10, the terminal device 100, and the SP server 200. When the terminal device 100 receives an operation on the "Next" button 402 (see Figure 3) on the device registration completion screen SC2, it sends a CTG information request to the printer 10 at T310 (S110 in Figure 7). At T312, the terminal device 100 receives the CTGID "CT2" and MIB values ​​"0, 1" from the printer 10 (S112). The terminal device 100 determines that the second MIB value is "1" and determines at T320 that the installed CTG is a dedicated CTG (YES at S120). At T322, the terminal device 100 identifies the Heavy Plan as the plan the user should subscribe to because the second MIB value is "1" (S122). At T324, terminal device 100 sends a data request for subscriber information input screen, including the plan information "Heavy Plan," to SP server 200 (S124). T330 to T352 are the same as T130 to T152 in Figure 5. This completes the user's subscription to the Heavy Plan of the subscription service.

[0092] (Case D; Figure 9) Refer to Figure 9 to explain Case D. The initial state of Case D is the same as the initial state of Case B in Figure 6.

[0093] First, the same process as T10 to T64 in Figure 3 is performed between the printer 10, terminal device 100, and SP server 200. T410 is the same as T310 in Figure 8. At T412, the terminal device 100 receives the CTGID "CT3" and the MIB value "0,0" from the printer 10 (S112 in Figure 7). The terminal device 100 determines that the first MIB value and the second MIB value are "0", and at T420 determines that the installed CTG is a general-purpose CTG (NO at S120). In this case, at T422, the SP server 200 sends a selection screen data request to the SP server 200 (S130). T430 to T462 are the same as T230 to T262 in Figure 6. This completes the user's subscription to the heavy plan of the subscription service.

[0094] (Correspondence) The control unit 130 of the terminal device 100 is an example of a "control device". The plan information of T326 in Figure 8 is an example of "first plan information". The plan information of T436 in Figure 9 is an example of "second plan information".

[0095] S112 in Figure 7 is an example of a "cartridge information receiving unit". T326, T332, T336, T342, and T346 in Figure 8 are examples of processes executed by the "first subscription processing execution unit". T432 in Figure 9 is an example of a process executed by the "display control unit". T436, T442, T446, T452, and T456 in Figure 9 are examples of processes executed by the "second subscription processing execution unit".

[0096] (Fourth embodiment) Referring to Figure 1, the communication system 2 of the fourth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the management table 42 is not stored in the memory 34 of the printer 10. The CTG table 144 is stored in the memory 134 of the terminal device 100.

[0097] (Configuration of CTG Table 144; Figure 2) Referring to Figure 2, the contents of the CTG table 144 in the terminal device 100 will be explained.

[0098] The CTG table 144 is a table for managing information to determine whether an installed CTG is a dedicated CTG or not. In the CTG table 144, the plan and the CTGID are stored in association. For example, if the CTGID "CT2" is associated with the plan "Heavy Plan", it indicates that the CTG with CTGID "CT2" is a dedicated CTG for the Heavy Plan.

[0099] In this embodiment, the application 142 of the terminal device 100 executes the terminal processing shown in Figure 7. The CTG information in this embodiment differs from the CTG information in the third embodiment in that it includes only the CTGID. Also, in this embodiment, the processing content of S120 and S122 differs from the processing content of S120 and S122 in the third embodiment.

[0100] In S120, app 142 uses the CTG information and CTG table 144 to determine whether the attached CTG is a dedicated CTG. App 142 also determines whether the target CTGID in the CTG information is included in CTG table 144. If the target CTGID is included in CTG table 144, app 142 determines YES in S120 and proceeds to S122. On the other hand, if the target CTGID is not included in CTG table 144, app 142 determines NO in S120 and proceeds to S130.

[0101] In S122, application 142 uses the target CTGID and CTG table 144 to identify the plan the user should subscribe to. Application 142 identifies the plan associated with the target CTGID in CTG table 144. Application 142 identifies the identified plan as the plan the user should subscribe to.

[0102] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0103] (First Modification) In the above embodiment, the SP server 200 is a physical server, but the SP server 200 is not limited to a physical server, and may be a virtual server or virtual machine on the cloud. That is, the vendor may not prepare the hardware for the SP server 200 itself, but may use an environment provided by an external cloud computing service. In this case, the vendor may realize the SP server 200 by preparing the program (i.e., software) for the SP server 200 and installing it in the above environment. In another modification, the SP server 200 may be installed on the Internet 6 by a different operator than the vendor.

[0104] (Second Modification) In S50 of Figure 4, the CPU 232 of the SP server 200 may send the selection screen data to the printer 10. In this modification, when the printer 10 receives the selection screen data from the SP server 200, it displays the selection screen on the display unit 14. In this modification, the display unit 14 of the printer 10 is an example of a "display unit".

[0105] (Third variation) "First information" and "second information" are not limited to information corresponding to MIB values, but may also be information corresponding to flags, etc.

[0106] (Fourth modified example) Step S22 in Figure 4 can be omitted. In this modified example, "history information" can be omitted.

[0107] (Fifth Modification) The service table 242 of the SP server 200 does not need to include the CTGID at the time of joining. In this modification, it is preferable that a list including the CTGID at the time of joining is stored in the memory 234 of the SP server 200.

[0108] (Sixth Modification) The application 142 of the terminal device 100 may determine whether or not the installed CTG has been used if it is determined to be YES in S120. In this modification, the communication system 2 includes a management server that manages CTGIDs corresponding to used dedicated CTGs. The CPU 132 then sends the target CTGID to the management server. The CPU 132 receives usage information from the management server indicating whether or not the installed CTG has been used. If the usage information indicates that the installed CTG has been used, the CPU 132 proceeds to S130. On the other hand, if the usage information indicates that the installed CTG has not been used, the CPU 132 proceeds to S122.

[0109] (Seventh Modification) Assume a situation where there is a Type 1 dedicated CTG included with the printer at the time of sale, and a Type 2 dedicated CTG not included with the printer at the time of sale. In this modification, the SP server 200 is configured to provide benefits to users who subscribe to a subscription service using the dedicated CTG. For example, the benefits may be discounts or points awarded to users. The memory 234 of the SP server 200 stores a bundled table in which the printer's serial number and the CTGID of the Type 1 dedicated CTG included with the printer are associated. The memory 234 of the SP server 200 also stores a benefits table in which the CTGID of the dedicated CTG and benefit information indicating the benefit are associated. Here, the benefit indicated by the benefit information associated with the CTGID of the Type 1 dedicated CTG is greater than the benefit indicated by the benefit information associated with the CTGID of the Type 1 dedicated CTG. For example, if the benefit is a discount, "greater benefit" means a large discount amount, a long free period, etc. For example, when the reward is the awarding of points, "a large reward" means that a large number of points are awarded to the user.

[0110] In this modified example, after S34 in Figure 4, the CPU 232 of the SP server 200 uses the bundled table to determine whether the installed CTG is a Type 1 dedicated CTG and whether the target printer is a bundled printer. The target printer is the printer used in the service subscription process (Figure 3). A bundled printer is a printer that comes bundled with a Type 1 dedicated CTG. If the installed CTG is a Type 1 dedicated CTG and the target printer is a bundled printer, the CPU 232 identifies the benefit information associated with the target CTG ID. In this case, the CPU 232 identifies the benefit indicated by the benefit information associated with the target CTG ID as the benefit to be granted to the user. Also, if the installed CTG is not a Type 1 dedicated CTG and the target printer is not a bundled printer, the CPU 232 identifies the benefit information associated with the target CTG ID. In this case, the CPU 232 identifies the benefit indicated by the benefit information associated with the target CTG ID as the benefit to be granted to the user. Furthermore, CPU232 identifies the benefit information corresponding to the target CTGID if the installed CTG is a Type 1 dedicated CTG and the target printer is not the bundled printer. In this case, CPU232 identifies a benefit smaller than the benefit indicated by the identified benefit information as the benefit to be granted to the user. Note that the case where the dedicated CTG is a Type 1 dedicated CTG and the target printer is not the bundled printer means that the user uses a different printer for bundled printing.

[0111] Next, CPU232 generates confirmation screen data using the plan identified in S30, the subscriber information received in S34, and the identified benefits, and transmits the confirmation screen data to terminal device 100.

[0112] According to the above configuration, the benefits provided to the user can be switched depending on the type of dedicated cartridge used.

[0113] (Variation 8) The number of plans included in the subscription service may be three or more. For example, the subscription service may have a light plan and a heavy plan, as well as a middle plan.

[0114] (9th variation) "Service" is not limited to subscription services, but may also refer to charge services, etc.

[0115] (Tenth Modification) The printer 10 is not limited to an inkjet printer, but can be any printer in which a cartridge containing printing material is detachably mounted. For example, the printer 10 may be a laser printer. In this modification, the print execution unit 16 is equipped with a laser printing engine. In addition, a cartridge containing toner is detachably mounted in the print execution unit 16.

[0116] (11th Modification) In each of the above embodiments, the processes shown in Figures 3 to 9 are implemented by software (for example, programs 40, 140, 142, and 240), but at least one of these processes may be implemented by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0117] Furthermore, the technical elements described herein or in the drawings demonstrate technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technologies illustrated herein or in the drawings achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives constitutes technical usefulness in itself.

[0118] Even if, in the claims of this patent application, each claim depends on only some of the claims, it is not limited to the claim being dependent only on those specific claims. To the extent that it is not technically contradictory, each claim may be dependent on other claims that were not dependent at the time of application. That is, the technologies of each claim can be combined in various ways as follows: (Item 1) A control device, A cartridge information receiving unit that receives cartridge information from a specific printer regarding a specific cartridge installed in the said specific printer, A first subscription processing execution unit that, when cartridge information is received from the specified printer and the cartridge information indicates that the specified cartridge is a specific dedicated cartridge, performs a first subscription process to subscribe the user to a first plan of the service without displaying a selection screen on the display unit for the user to select one plan from among a plurality of plans included in the service associated with the specified printer, wherein the specific dedicated cartridge is a cartridge dedicated to the first plan associated with the first plan included in the plurality of plans, A display control unit that displays the selection screen on the display unit when the cartridge information is received from the specified printer and the cartridge information indicates that the specified cartridge is a general-purpose cartridge, wherein the general-purpose cartridge is a cartridge that is not associated with any of the plurality of plans, In the selection screen, when an operation to select a second plan from the multiple plans is accepted, a second subscription execution unit executes a second subscription process to subscribe the user to the second plan, A control device equipped with the following features. (Item 2) The control device further includes a memory that stores, for each of the plurality of plans, the plan and one or more cartridge identification pieces of information in association. The cartridge information includes specific cartridge identification information that identifies the specific cartridge, The first subscription processing unit executes the first subscription process without displaying the selection screen on the display unit when the cartridge information is received from the specific printer and the specific cartridge identification information is associated with the first plan. The control device according to item 1, wherein the display control unit causes the selection screen to be displayed on the display unit when the cartridge information is received from the specific printer and the specific cartridge identification information is not stored in the memory. (Item 3) The cartridge information includes, for each of the multiple plans, a plurality of type information which is either a first piece of information indicating that the particular cartridge is a cartridge exclusive to that plan, or a second piece of information indicating that the particular cartridge is not a cartridge exclusive to that plan. The first subscription processing unit executes the first subscription process without displaying the selection screen on the display unit when the cartridge information is received from the specific printer and the type information corresponding to the first plan is the first information. The control device according to item 1 or 2, wherein the display control unit causes the selection screen to be displayed on the display unit when the cartridge information is received from the specific printer and all of the plurality of type information are the second information. (Item 4) The control device is the control unit of the server that provides the service, The control device further, A printer identification information receiving unit that receives printer identification information that identifies the specific printer from the specific printer, The system includes a memory control unit that stores the printer identification information in memory, The cartridge information receiving unit receives the cartridge information from the specific printer after the printer identification information has been stored in the memory. The first subscription process includes a process of storing the first plan in the memory in association with the printer identification information, The control device according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the second subscription process includes a process of storing the second plan in the memory in association with the printer identification information. (Item 5) The control device is the control unit of the server that provides the service, The control device includes a memory that stores history information, including identification information of the cartridge that was installed in the printer when the user subscribed to the service. The cartridge information includes specific cartridge identification information for identifying the specific cartridge, The first subscription processing unit executes the first subscription process when it receives the cartridge information from the specific printer, the cartridge information indicates that the specific cartridge is the specific dedicated cartridge, and the history information does not include the specific cartridge identification information. The display control unit, upon receiving the cartridge information from the specific printer, and when the cartridge information indicates that the specific cartridge is the specific dedicated cartridge, and the history information includes the specific cartridge identification information, transmits selection screen data representing the selection screen to the terminal device, thereby causing the display unit of the terminal device to display the selection screen. The control device according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the first subscription process includes a process of storing the specific cartridge identification information in the history information in the memory. (Item 6) The control device is a control unit for a terminal device, The aforementioned service is provided by the server, The control device according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the first subscription process includes a process of transmitting first plan information indicating the first plan to the server. (Item 7) The control device is a control unit for a terminal device, The aforementioned service is a service provided by a server, The control device further, A screen data request transmission unit sends a screen data request to the server requesting the transmission of selection screen data representing the selection screen when the cartridge information is received from the specified printer and the cartridge information indicates that the specified cartridge is the general-purpose cartridge, The system includes a screen data receiving unit that receives the selected screen data from the server after the screen data request has been sent to the server, The control device according to any one of items 1 to 3 and 6, wherein the display control unit causes the selection screen to be displayed on the display unit when the selection screen data is received from the server. (Item 8) The control device according to item 7, wherein the second subscription process includes a process of transmitting to the server second plan information indicating the second plan selected on the selection screen, which is represented by the selection screen data received from the server. (Item 9) A computer program for a control device, The computer of the aforementioned control device A cartridge information receiving unit that receives cartridge information from a specific printer regarding a specific cartridge installed in the said specific printer, A first subscription processing execution unit that, when cartridge information is received from the specified printer and the cartridge information indicates that the specified cartridge is a specific dedicated cartridge, performs a first subscription process to subscribe the user to a first plan of the service without displaying a selection screen on the display unit for the user to select one plan from among a plurality of plans included in the service associated with the specified printer, wherein the specific dedicated cartridge is a cartridge dedicated to the first plan associated with the first plan included in the plurality of plans, A display control unit that displays the selection screen on the display unit when the cartridge information is received from the specified printer and the cartridge information indicates that the specified cartridge is a general-purpose cartridge, wherein the general-purpose cartridge is a cartridge that is not associated with any of the plurality of plans, In the selection screen, when an operation to select a second plan from the multiple plans is accepted, a second subscription execution unit executes a second subscription process to subscribe the user to the second plan, A computer program that functions as such. (Item 10) A method performed by a control device, A cartridge information receiving step of receiving cartridge information from a specific printer regarding a specific cartridge installed in the said specific printer, A first subscription process execution step, in which, when cartridge information is received from the specific printer and the cartridge information indicates that the specific cartridge is a specific dedicated cartridge, a first subscription process is performed to subscribe the user to a first plan of the service without displaying a selection screen on the display unit for the user to select one plan from among a plurality of plans included in the service associated with the specific printer, wherein the specific dedicated cartridge is a cartridge dedicated to the first plan associated with the first plan included in the plurality of plans, A display control step in which, when cartridge information is received from the specified printer and the cartridge information indicates that the specified cartridge is a general-purpose cartridge, the selection screen is displayed on the display unit, wherein the general-purpose cartridge is a cartridge that is not associated with any of the plurality of plans, In the selection screen, if an operation to select a second plan from the multiple plans is accepted, a second subscription process execution step is performed to subscribe the user to the second plan, A method that includes [something]. (Item 11) A communication system comprising a specific printer and a control device, The aforementioned specific printer is The system includes a transmitting unit that transmits cartridge information relating to a specific cartridge installed in the aforementioned specific printer to the control device, The control device is A cartridge information receiving unit that receives the cartridge information from the aforementioned specific printer, A first subscription processing execution unit that, when cartridge information is received from the specified printer and the cartridge information indicates that the specified cartridge is a specific dedicated cartridge, performs a first subscription process to subscribe the user to a first plan of the service without displaying a selection screen on the display unit for the user to select one plan from among a plurality of plans included in the service associated with the specified printer, wherein the specific dedicated cartridge is a cartridge dedicated to the first plan associated with the first plan included in the plurality of plans, A display control unit that displays the selection screen on the display unit when the cartridge information is received from the specified printer and the cartridge information indicates that the specified cartridge is a general-purpose cartridge, wherein the general-purpose cartridge is a cartridge that is not associated with any of the plurality of plans, In the selection screen, when an operation to select a second plan from the multiple plans is accepted, a second subscription execution unit executes a second subscription process to subscribe the user to the second plan, A communication system equipped with these features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0119] 2: Communication system, 4: LAN, 6: Internet, 10: Printer, 12: Operation unit, 14: Display unit, 16: Print execution unit, 16A: Cartridge, 18: Communication I / F, 30: Control unit, 32: CPU, 34: Memory, 40: Program, 42: Management table, 100: Terminal device, 112: Operation unit, 114: Display unit, 118: Communication I / F, 130: Control unit, 132: CPU, 134: Memory, 140: OS program, 142: Application, 144: CTG table, 200: SP server, 218: Communication I / F, 230: Control unit, 232: CPU, 234: Memory, 238: Service table, 240: Program, 242: Service table, 244: CTG table

Claims

1. A control device, A cartridge information receiving unit that receives cartridge information from a specific printer regarding a specific cartridge installed in the said specific printer, A first subscription processing execution unit that, when cartridge information is received from the specified printer and the cartridge information indicates that the specified cartridge is a specific dedicated cartridge, performs a first subscription process to subscribe the user to a first plan of the service without displaying a selection screen on the display unit for the user to select one plan from among a plurality of plans included in the service associated with the specified printer, wherein the specific dedicated cartridge is a cartridge dedicated to the first plan associated with the first plan included in the plurality of plans, A display control unit that displays the selection screen on the display unit when the cartridge information is received from the specified printer and the cartridge information indicates that the specified cartridge is a general-purpose cartridge, wherein the general-purpose cartridge is a cartridge that is not associated with any of the plurality of plans, In the selection screen, when an operation to select a second plan from the multiple plans is accepted, a second subscription execution unit executes a second subscription process to subscribe the user to the second plan, A control device equipped with the following features.

2. The control device further includes a memory that stores each of the plurality of plans in association with one or more cartridge identification pieces of information. The cartridge information includes specific cartridge identification information that identifies the specific cartridge, The first subscription processing unit executes the first subscription process without displaying the selection screen on the display unit when the cartridge information is received from the specific printer and the specific cartridge identification information is associated with the first plan. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the selection screen to be displayed on the display unit when the cartridge information is received from the specific printer and the specific cartridge identification information is not stored in the memory.

3. The cartridge information includes, for each of the multiple plans, a plurality of type information which is either a first piece of information indicating that the particular cartridge is a cartridge dedicated to that plan, or a second piece of information indicating that the particular cartridge is not a cartridge dedicated to that plan. The first subscription processing unit executes the first subscription process without displaying the selection screen on the display unit when the cartridge information is received from the specific printer and the type information corresponding to the first plan is the first information. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the selection screen to be displayed on the display unit when the cartridge information is received from the specific printer and all of the plurality of type information are the second information.

4. The control device is the control unit of the server that provides the service, The control device further, A printer identification information receiving unit that receives printer identification information that identifies the specific printer from the specific printer, The system includes a memory control unit that stores the printer identification information in memory, The cartridge information receiving unit receives the cartridge information from the specific printer after the printer identification information has been stored in the memory. The first subscription process includes a process of storing the first plan in the memory in association with the printer identification information, The control device according to claim 1, wherein the second subscription process includes a process of storing the second plan in the memory in association with the printer identification information.

5. The control device is the control unit of the server that provides the service, The control device includes a memory that stores history information, including identification information of the cartridge that was installed in the printer when the user subscribed to the service. The cartridge information includes specific cartridge identification information for identifying the specific cartridge, The first subscription processing unit executes the first subscription processing when it receives the cartridge information from the specific printer, the cartridge information indicates that the specific cartridge is the specific dedicated cartridge, and the history information does not include the specific cartridge identification information. The display control unit, upon receiving the cartridge information from the specific printer, and when the cartridge information indicates that the specific cartridge is the specific dedicated cartridge, and the history information includes the specific cartridge identification information, transmits selection screen data representing the selection screen to the terminal device, thereby causing the display unit of the terminal device to display the selection screen. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the first subscription process includes a process of storing the specific cartridge identification information in the history information in the memory.

6. The control device is a control unit for a terminal device, The aforementioned service is provided by the server, The control device according to claim 1, wherein the first subscription process includes a process of transmitting first plan information indicating the first plan to the server.

7. The control device is a control unit for a terminal device, The aforementioned service is a service provided by a server, The control device further, A screen data request transmission unit sends a screen data request to the server requesting the transmission of selection screen data representing the selection screen when the cartridge information is received from the specified printer and the cartridge information indicates that the specified cartridge is the general-purpose cartridge, The system includes a screen data receiving unit that receives the selected screen data from the server after the screen data request has been sent to the server, The control device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the selection screen to be displayed on the display unit when the selection screen data is received from the server.

8. The control device according to claim 7, wherein the second subscription process includes transmitting to the server second plan information indicating the second plan selected on the selection screen, which is represented by the selection screen data received from the server.

9. A computer program for a control device, The computer of the aforementioned control device A cartridge information receiving unit that receives cartridge information from a specific printer regarding a specific cartridge installed in the said specific printer, A first subscription processing execution unit that, when cartridge information is received from the specified printer and the cartridge information indicates that the specified cartridge is a specific dedicated cartridge, performs a first subscription process to subscribe the user to a first plan of the service without displaying a selection screen on the display unit for the user to select one plan from among a plurality of plans included in the service associated with the specified printer, wherein the specific dedicated cartridge is a cartridge dedicated to the first plan associated with the first plan included in the plurality of plans, A display control unit that displays the selection screen on the display unit when the cartridge information is received from the specified printer and the cartridge information indicates that the specified cartridge is a general-purpose cartridge, wherein the general-purpose cartridge is a cartridge that is not associated with any of the plurality of plans, In the selection screen, when an operation to select a second plan from the multiple plans is accepted, a second subscription execution unit executes a second subscription process to subscribe the user to the second plan, A computer program that functions as such.

10. A method performed by a control device, A cartridge information receiving step of receiving cartridge information from a specific printer regarding a specific cartridge installed in the said specific printer, A first subscription process execution step, in which, when cartridge information is received from the specific printer and the cartridge information indicates that the specific cartridge is a specific dedicated cartridge, a first subscription process is executed to subscribe the user to a first plan of the service without displaying a selection screen on the display unit for the user to select one plan from among a plurality of plans included in the service associated with the specific printer, wherein the specific dedicated cartridge is a cartridge dedicated to the first plan associated with the first plan included in the plurality of plans, A display control step in which, when cartridge information is received from the specified printer and the cartridge information indicates that the specified cartridge is a general-purpose cartridge, the selection screen is displayed on the display unit, wherein the general-purpose cartridge is a cartridge that is not associated with any of the plurality of plans, In the selection screen, if an operation to select a second plan from the multiple plans is accepted, a second subscription process execution step is performed to subscribe the user to the second plan, A method that includes [a certain feature].

11. A communication system comprising a specific printer and a control device, The aforementioned specific printer is The system includes a cartridge information transmission unit that transmits cartridge information relating to a specific cartridge installed in the aforementioned specific printer to the control device, The control device is A cartridge information receiving unit that receives the cartridge information from the aforementioned specific printer, A first subscription processing execution unit that, when cartridge information is received from the specified printer and the cartridge information indicates that the specified cartridge is a specific dedicated cartridge, performs a first subscription process to subscribe the user to a first plan of the service without displaying a selection screen on the display unit for the user to select one plan from among a plurality of plans included in the service associated with the specified printer, wherein the specific dedicated cartridge is a cartridge dedicated to the first plan associated with the first plan included in the plurality of plans, A display control unit that displays the selection screen on the display unit when the cartridge information is received from the specified printer and the cartridge information indicates that the specified cartridge is a general-purpose cartridge, wherein the general-purpose cartridge is a cartridge that is not associated with any of the plurality of plans, In the selection screen, when an operation to select a second plan from the multiple plans is accepted, a second subscription execution unit executes a second subscription process to subscribe the user to the second plan, A communication system equipped with these features.

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